Recruiting and developing the next generation of Virginia Tech employees
In today’s competitive labor marketplace, the work of the Human Resources Talent Acquisition team requires a multifaceted approach.
From conducting searches for leaders in-house to engaging new hires and future members of the work force, the Talent Acquisition team is ensuring that Virginia Tech attracts the best talent to help achieve the university’s goals.
Bringing executive recruitment efforts in-house
The Talent Acquisition team has shifted to leading many recruiting efforts internally that were previously outsourced to recruiting firms. This change has resulted in positions being filled more quickly as well as significant cost savings, said Jeff Cumberland, director of talent acquisition.
During 2023, Cumberland’s team supported searches for 107 positions, 31 of which were director level and above, that previously may have been outsourced to search firms.
For example, the in-house team is leading the search for a new vice president for the Division of Campus, Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities. “Our recruited candidates were four of the five finalists,” Cumberland said. “Using an executive search firm would have cost the university between $150,000 to $200,000.”
Onboarding and engagement
Once candidates are interested in working at Virginia Tech, it is important that the application process is smooth and efficient. Underway are enhancements to PageUp, the applicant tracking system, as well as the jobs website and candidate communication to improve the application experience, Cumberland said.
Once hired, providing immediate opportunities for new employees to build relationships and immerse themselves in Virginia Tech’s culture creates the foundation that can lead to long-term employment.
A get-together for all new hires from 2023 was held at the University Club in November. The evening event was an opportunity to connect with other new hires over food and drink with a commanding view of Lane Stadium.
“We had 94 attendees,” said Jessica Grimes, employee engagement and onboarding coordinator. “It was a great success and we plan to do it each year.”
In addition, quarterly “speed meetings” are held for new employees, providing a low-pressure, organized way to meet people quickly. Participants sit in small groups at tables, where table leaders pose ice-breaker questions. After several minutes, participants rotate to different tables. Four speed meetings have been held since February 2023, with a total of 64 new hires attending.
“The speed meeting was the first time I've really gotten to connect with other new hires, and I am grateful for the opportunity," said attendee Victoria Loe, program specialist for Student Medical Insurance.
Sonja Evette Crockett, graduate program coordinator, also attended a speed meeting. “The event was extremely helpful in meeting new individuals and making new connections – interacting with seasoned and new employees out of my direct office, department, and college,” she said.
“Lunch and learn” events for new employees highlight different areas on campus. For example, members of the Hokie Wellness team recently discussed how to manage stress in new situations. Future events will take place every other month with different guest speakers.
Developing the next generation of employees
The Tech Tracks program, now in its third year, brings high school students to campus to learn about career options in higher education and opportunities at Virginia Tech.
On March 5, an 11th grade class from Radford High School came to the Blacksburg campus, joined by students from Giles and Pulaski high schools. During the program, students visited several areas of campus and heard from employees in a range of academic and administrative areas about their jobs and how they came to work at Virginia Tech.
After the visit students completed a survey, with many indicating that the experience had opened their eyes to the variety of jobs at Virginia Tech, including options for positions not requiring a four-year degree.
Virginia Tech provides opportunities for students throughout their high school years, beginning with lunch-and-learn classes in the ninth grade, job shadowing and campus tours in the 10th grade, Tech Tracks and summer internships during 11th grade, and externships and apprenticeships during 12th grade.
In late February, Talent Acquisition participated in CareerQuest, an annual event for 10th graders designed to increase awareness and knowledge of career opportunities within the Roanoke Valley, Alleghany Highlands, and New River Valley. CareerQuest showcases local careers in a hands-on way, through activities, tours, and more. A similar event for seventh graders takes place in the fall.
“Virginia Tech provides local high school students with high-quality work-based learning,” said Ashley Carter, community and engagement recruitment specialist. “This is a push from Virginia’s governor and was also mentioned in President Biden’s State of the Union address.”
“We want Virginia Tech to be a Destination for Talent," said Sandee Cheynet, associate vice president for human resources. "By using personal outreach and touches, our Talent Acquisition team is attracting great talent and showcasing our inclusive and friendly culture to new employees. Those experiences create a great working environment for our entire community of employees, making Virginia Tech an employer of choice among job seekers.”
